Modular above ground fueling station and method of construction thereof

ABSTRACT

An above ground gasoline station is pre-constructed in modular form and assembled on a desired site. The station has a canopy that extends substantially beyond the outermost pumps so that users are protected from the weather. A method of installing above ground station includes assembling modular components on site. A method of carrying on a gas station business uses stations constructed from modular components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of invention

[0002] This invention relates to a gasoline station that rests on thetop of the ground and, more particularly, to a gasoline station having abase with supports extending upwardly therefrom to support a full canopythat extends substantially beyond said base on both sides. Thisinvention further relates to a method of installing a gasoline stationthat is pre-constructed in modular form and to a method of carrying onbusiness using gasoline stations in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Most gas stations have underground gasoline storage tanks thatare expensive to install and even more expensive to remove. In addition,underground storage tanks often leak and, despite the use of detectionsystems, gasoline from the underground storage tanks leaks into theground. When a leak is detected in underground storage tanks, the tankmust be removed and replaced at great expense. With gas stations thathave aboveground storage tanks, a skirt can be located beneath the tanksto retain any gasoline that leaks from the tanks. Also, leaks fromaboveground storage tanks are detected much more quickly and much moreeasily than leaks from underground storage tanks. Further, the tank canbe repaired or replaced with little expense compared to the replacementof underground storage tanks. Underground storage tanks are usuallylocated beneath a layer of asphalt or concrete which must be broken upand disposed of in order to remove the tank. When a new tank isinstalled underground, the asphalt or concrete is replaced with newmaterial.

[0005] Portable gas stations are known but they have a very small canopybecause of the danger that the gas station might become unstable in highwinds. The small canopy is not suitable for self serve gas stations asconsumers are not protected from rain when filling their vehicles. Inaddition, many previous portable gas stations have a base that isanchored into the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gasolinestation that has a base that supports a gasoline storage tank and a fullcanopy without the necessity of anchoring the base into the ground. Itis a further object of the present invention to provide a method ofinstalling a modular above ground gasoline station and to a method ofcarrying on business using an above ground gasoline station.

[0007] An above ground gasoline station has a base with a gasolinestorage tank mounted thereon and vertical supports around the tank. Thebase rests on a supporting surface and the supports extend between thebase and a canopy. At least one gasoline pump is located outside of thesupports. The canopy extends laterally substantially beyond the supportsand beyond the at least one gasoline pump. The at least one gasolinepump is connected to the gasoline storage tank by gasoline supply lineslocated above ground and the station is connected to an electricalsource.

[0008] A method of installing an above ground gasoline station where thestation has a base with a periphery surrounding the base. The base hasfirst partial supports for a canopy extending upward therefrom. Thecanopy is in multiple sections and a gasoline storage tank is located onthe base. The method comprises installing the base on the supportingsurface, assembling the sections of the canopy together, the canopyhaving second partial supports extending downward therefrom, the secondpartial supports corresponding to the first partial supports, liftingthe canopy into position above the base and connecting each of the firstsupports to each of the corresponding second supports, installing atleast one gasoline pump adjacent to the tank outside of the supports,the pump being connected to the tank above ground, and connecting thegasoline station to an electrical source.

[0009] A method of carrying on a gas station business using a gasolinestation that is comprised of modular components, the method comprisingchoosing a site for a gasoline station, having a configuration for thegasoline station pre-constructed in modular form, delivering the modulesto the site, assembling the modules on site, connecting the gasolinestation to an electrical source and dispensing gasoline from thegasoline station.

[0010] Preferably, the base rests on a supporting surface without thenecessity of anchoring means. Preferably, the gasoline storage tank is adouble wall tank with monolithic insulation located between the twowalls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a schematic end view of an above ground gasolinestation;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the gasoline station shown inFIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of a gasolinestation;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a schematic end view of a further configuration of agasoline station;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a schematic end view of an above ground gasoline stationhaving a remote pump island;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a schematic end view of a further configuration of agasoline station;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a schematic end view of a gasoline station having tworemote islands;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a schematic end view of an above ground gasoline stationhaving a remote island and two storage tanks;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a partial schematic end view of a gasoline stationshowing gasoline supply lines extending through a canopy;

[0020]FIG. 9a is a schematic end view of a gasoline station showinggasoline supply lines extending in an apron;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a remotepump island;

[0022]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a gasolinestation;

[0023]FIG. 12 is an end view of a containment trough for gasoline supplylines; and

[0024]FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the containment trough withend pieces mounted thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] In FIG. 1, a portable gas station 2 has a base 4 with supports 6extending upward therefrom to support a full canopy 8. Inside thesupports 6, there is located a gasoline storage tank (not shown in FIG.1). On either side of the base 4, there are located four gasoline pumpsor dispensers 10 (only two of which are shown). A plurality of posts 12are located outside of the supports 6 and base 4 to protect the storagetank and dispensers 10 in the event that a motor vehicle is involved ina collision with the portable gas station 2. A motor vehicle 14 islocated on either side of the base. It can be seen that the canopyextends substantially beyond the base and substantially beyond the outerside of the motor vehicles to enable a user to pump gasoline into themotor vehicle while still being beneath the canopy. A panel 16 extendsbetween the supports 6. The canopy 8 has four sections 18 that aremounted side by side adjacent to one another.

[0026] Preferably, the canopy extends laterally at least 12 feet oneither side of the base. Preferably, the supports 6 have a series ofpanels 16 mounted around them and around the storage tank (not shown inFIG. 1) to conceal the storage tank from a user of the station. Only onepanel 16 is shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, a concrete apron 19 is pouredaround the base 4 to provide support for the vehicles 14 using thegasoline station.

[0027] In FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the gasoline station 2of FIG. 1. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 2 to describethose components of FIG. 1 that are identical to the components of FIG.2 without further description unless otherwise indicated. Panels 16surrounding the storage tank have an access door (not shown) to allowaccess to the storage area enclosed by the panels.

[0028] In FIG. 3, there is shown a partial exploded perspective view ofthe gasoline station 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The same referencenumerals are used in FIG. 3 to describe those components that areidentical to the components of FIG. 1. It can be seen that a cover ofthe canopy 8 has been removed to expose steel beams 20 that extendlaterally across the canopy 8. An upper portion 22 of each supports 6 isconnected to the beams 20. There are 2 upper portions 22 connected toeach beam 20. A lower portion 24 of each support 6 extends upwardly fromthe base 4. The lower portions each have a top 26 that is reduced insize to receive a corresponding upper portion 22. A gasoline storagetank 28 has a cradle 30 (only one of which is shown) at each end. Thestorage tank at 28 is set on the base 4 inside the supports 6 and panels16. There is a pump island 32 having a spill containment box 34 ordispenser pan connected to the base 4 for each of the gasoline pumps(none of which are shown in FIG. 3).

[0029] During construction, the base 4, lower portions 24 of thesupports 6 and the storage tank 28 are delivered as one modularcomponent to the site where the gasoline station is proposed to beconstructed. After the base 4 has been properly positioned, the steelbeams 20 and the upper portions 22 of the supports 6 are assembled onsite with the sections 18 of canopy 8. The canopy 8 is then lifted intoposition by a crane (not shown) and the upper portions 22 are connectedto the corresponding lower portions 24 of the supports 6. It can be seenthat each of the outer sections 18 has three light fixtures 36 installedtherein. The light fixtures are pre-wired so that when the sections ofthe canopy are properly assembled, the wiring is automaticallyconnected. The wiring is not shown, but the wires are preferably locatedin an electrical conduit. The panels 16 are then put in place tocomplete the assembly as shown in FIG. 3. Finally, the pumps (not shownin FIG. 3) are added to the pump island and a concrete apron (not shownin FIG. 3) is poured around the base generally beneath the footprint ofthe canopy.

[0030] In FIG. 4, there is shown a configuration of a gasoline station38, which can be broken down as two gasoline stations 2 mounted side byside with the inner canopy sections 18 from each of the gasolinestations 2 being connected to one another. The same reference numeralsare used in FIG. 4 to describe those components that are identical tothe components of FIG. 1.

[0031] In FIG. 5, there is shown a further configuration for a gasolinestation 40. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 5 as those usedin FIG. 1 for those components that are identical. It can be seen thatthe station 40 has a remote pump island 42 having 4 pumps 10 (only twoof which are shown). While the gasoline station 2 shown in FIG. 1 has acanopy 8 with four sections 18, the gasoline station 40 shown in FIG. 5has a canopy 8 with five sections 18. The station 40 also has twoadditional supports 6 extending upwards from the remote island 42 tosupport to canopy 8. Only one of the additional supports 6 is shown inFIG. 5.

[0032] In FIG. 6, there is shown a further embodiment of a gasolinestation 44. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 6 to describethose components that are identical to the components of FIGS. 1 and 5.It can be seen that the gasoline station 44 is a combination of thegasoline station 2 shown in FIG. 1 and the remote island portion of thegasoline station 40 shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] In FIG. 7, there is shown a further embodiment of a gasolinestation 46. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 7 as those usedin FIG. 6 for those components that are identical. The gasoline station46 has the configuration shown in FIG. 6 with an additional remoteisland added on the side opposite to the pump island 42 shown in FIG. 6.

[0034] In FIG. 8, there is shown a further embodiment of a gasolinestation 48. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 8 as those usedin FIGS. 1 and 6 for those components that are identical. It can be seenthat the gasoline station 48 is a combination of the gasoline station 2shown in FIG. 1 and the gasoline station 44 shown in FIG. 6 mounted sideby side to one another. The canopy sections 18 shown in FIG. 8 would allbe connected to those sections immediately adjacent to one another.

[0035] In FIG. 9, there is shown a schematic end view of a gasolinestation having a base 4 supporting the storage tank 28 and a remoteisland 42. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 9 as those usedin FIG. 6 to describe those components that are identical to oneanother. FIG. 9 shows gasoline supply lines 50 extending from thestorage tank 28 to each of the pumps 10 that are located immediatelyadjacent to the storage tank. In addition, gasoline supply lines 52extend from the storage tank 28 upwards into the canopy 8, across thecanopy 8 and down through the supports 6 on the remote pump island 42 tothe pumps 10 on the remote island 42. Sections 18 of the canopy 8 havebeen omitted from FIG. 9 as the additional canopy sections are notrequired for the purposes of that Figure. Additional sections would berequired to shield a consumer from rain on the outside pumps shown inFIG. 9.

[0036] In FIG. 9a, there is shown a schematic end view of a gasolinestation having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 9 with onegasoline tank 28 and one remote island 42 having pumps 10. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 9a, the gasoline supply lines for the remoteisland are not located in the canopy 8. In FIG. 9a, an apron 54 isthicker than the apron 19 shown in the previous Figures. Supply lines 56extend from the storage tank 28 through the apron 54 to the remoteisland 42. The supply lines 56 within the apron 54 are located within asteel containment through 57 which is embedded in the apron 54. The samereference numerals are used in FIG. 9a as those used in FIG. 9 todescribe those components that are identical.

[0037] In FIG. 10, there is shown a perspective view of a furthervariation in a remote island 42. The remote island 42 shown in theprevious drawings had four gasoline pumps, two at each end of theisland. The remote island 42 shown in FIG. 10 has only two gasolinepumps 58. The gasoline pumps 58 have access hoses on each side togetherwith calibration equipment (not shown) so that each pump 58 can servecustomers on two sides of the island 42 simultaneously. There are twosupports 6 that extend upward from the remote island 42.

[0038] In FIG. 11, there is shown an exploded perspective view of thevarious components that are constructed to form gasoline station 2 shownin FIG. 1. The gasoline storage tank 28, lower portions 24 of thesupports 6 and panels 16 around the supports form a first component. Thesteel beams 20 and upper portions 22 of the supports 6 form second andthird components respectively. Each section 18 of the canopy formsfourth to seventh components. The pump island 32, dispenser pan 34 andpumps 10 form a ninth component. In gasoline stations where there is aremote island 42, the remote 42 would be another component as would thedispenser pans and pumps for the remote island. When there is a remoteisland in a gasoline station, the remote island would be placed inposition after the base has been placed. Usually, the canopy isassembled on the ground and connected to the steel beams and upperportions of the supports. The supports 6 on the remote island 42 wouldpreferably be lower portions 24 with upper portions 22 being connectedto the steel beams (not shown) in the canopy above the remote pumpisland 42. The entire canopy structure (including the steel beams andupper portions of the supports) is then lifted into place by a crane andthe upper and lower portions of the supports are connected to oneanother. When the canopy is very large, it is assembled in two or moreseparate pieces. The separate pieces are then placed in position by acrane (not shown) and the supports are connected. The separate piecesare subsequently connected together. For example, the canopy shown inFIG. 4 would likely be assembled and erected in two separate pieces.

[0039] In FIG. 12, there is shown an end view of a steel containmenttrough 57 containing gasoline supply lines 56. During installation, thesteel containment trough 57 is placed in the concrete apron and thesupply lines 56 are installed. The containment trough is then eitherembedded in the concrete or covered with a metal cover (not shown). Themetal cover would allow full access to the supply lines at any time. Ineither case, the containment trough 57 is monitored by an electronicleak sensor (not shown). The tank and other piping is also monitored byelectronic leak sensors.

[0040] In FIG. 13, there is shown a side view of the steel containmenttrough 57 that is connected to end pieces 60. The end pieces 60 containpart of the supply line 56 and one end can be connected to the pumps ofthe remote island. Neither the tank nor the remote island or pumps areshown in FIG. 13.

[0041] As can be seen from the foregoing description, there are numerousconfigurations of gasoline stations that can be constructed inaccordance with the present invention. All of the gasoline stations haveall of the gasoline components above ground. If any leaks occur, theywill be noticed immediately and repairs can be made to repair the leakwhile the amount of gasoline spilled is relatively small. With previousgasoline stations having underground storage tanks as well asunderground supply lines, leaks would sometimes occur and go unnoticedfor a long period of time. Over a period of years, several leaks mighthave occurred. The ground upon which the gasoline station was locatedwould become contaminated. The cost of cleaning up the premises would besubstantial. Sometimes, premises would be purchased by an owner who didnot cause any of the contamination on the premises, but that new ownercould still be liable for the cleanup costs. Th e ground water is oftencontaminated.

[0042] The modules, and preferably the storage area created around thestorage tank can include a control system for the gasoline station. Thecontrol system is preferably a gasoline control system and an electricalcontrol system including an inventory controller, a pump controller anda leak detection system as well as an electrical breaker switch panel.Other controllers and systems could be added as well. For example, theleak detection system could sound an alarm or contact an emergencytelephone number to report the leak or both. The gasoline system can beinstalled in those jurisdictions where an attendant is not required bylaw, to operate automatically on a self serve basis. For example,customers could access the system using a credit card, debit card orother means of identification and automatic payment and provide theirown gasoline on a self serve basis, thereby saving the cost of having anattendant on site at all times. When the gasoline in the gasolinestorage tank reaches a certain minimum level, the system couldautomatically order more gasoline to be delivered. Preferably, thegasoline storage tank is divided into two or more compartments to allowdifferent grade levels of gasoline or different types of fuel to bedispensed from the gasoline station.

[0043] Preferably, the canopy extends laterally at least 12 feet oneither side of the base. Preferably, the base is comprised of steelbeams arranged together to form a frame for the base. The gasoline tankis preferably a double wall steel tank. In the space between the twowalls, there is a layer of monolithic insulation. The monolithicinsulation makes the tank extremely heavy and very secure. The weight ofthe tank even when empty, is more than sufficient to keep the station onthe ground in windy conditions. Preferably, the storage tank is dividedinto two compartments or three or more compartments so that differenttypes of fuel can be pumped from the same tank. Preferably, the stationis supplied with electricity from an outside source to operate thelights in the station. Preferably, there is a kiosk (not shown) locatedon the base 4 at one end to house an operator of the station as well asa cash register, replacement oil and/or snack foods. In an alternativedesign, the kiosk could be located adjacent to the station. In a furtheralternative, another type of accessory building other than a kiosk couldbe used. In some uses, no accessory building may be required. Whereelectricity is not readily available, the station could have its owngasoline powered generator to generate electricity to meet the needs ofthe station. There is an access door (not shown) located in thepaneling. The gasoline storage tank can be a 65,000 liter FIREGUARD (atrademark) tank. Preferably, the canopy measures at least 36 feet by 38feet and the canopy extends laterally at least 15 feet beyond the baseon each side. The canopy must be strong enough to support the snow loadin the area in addition to the pressures caused by the wind conditions.

[0044] While the pumping station has been described to pump gasoline,diesel fuel or other liquids could be pumped as well as, or in lieu of,gasoline. In areas of the world where water is extremely scarce, thesystem could be used to supply potable water to customers.

[0045] While a single unit of the gasoline pumping station is shown inthe drawings, a station could be designed to consist of two or three oreven more units mounted adjacent to one another. While the capacity ofthe gasoline storage tank is less than the capacity of undergroundstorage tanks, the gasoline station is designed to be used in locationswhere the sales of gasoline are much less than the sales of aconventional station with underground storage tanks. The portablestation has an advantage in that it can be moved to another location ifsales are not as high as expected or sales drop off with time. Since thegasoline pumping station of the present invention can be supplied andinstalled at a much smaller cost than conventional stations withunderground storage tanks, an owner of the portable station does notneed to sell nearly as much gasoline in order to achieve a reasonableprofit level. Signage and lighting is not shown in the drawings. Inaddition to the canopy, advertising or other signage could be located onthe outside surface of the panels. Since the gasoline station isentirely above ground, any leaks are detected early and contamination ofthe ground water is extremely unlikely.

[0046] While the station of the present invention is suitable forself-serve use, it can, of course, also be used for full serve use.While the station can be anchored to the ground, such anchoring is notrequired.

I claim:
 1. An above ground gasoline station comprising a base with agasoline storage tank mounted thereon and vertical supports around saidtank, said base resting on a supporting surface, said supports extendingbetween said base and a canopy, with at least one gasoline pump locatedoutside of said supports, said canopy extending laterally substantiallybeyond said supports and said at least one gasoline pump, said at leastone gasoline pump being connected to said gasoline storage tank bygasoline supply lines located above ground, said station being connectedto an electrical source.
 2. A gasoline station as claimed in claim 1wherein said station comprises a plurality of modules that wereconstructed off site and assembled on site.
 3. A gasoline station asclaimed in claim 2 wherein there are leak monitoring sensors forgasoline leaks at said station.
 4. A gasoline station as claimed inclaim 2 wherein there is a remote pump island and said at least one pumpis located on said remote pump island, said remote pump island beingspaced apart from said gasoline storage tank by more than one vehiclewidth.
 5. An above ground storage tank as claimed in claim 4 whereinsaid gasoline station is electrically connected to an accessorybuilding.
 6. A gasoline station as claimed in claim 5 wherein theaccessory building is a kiosk.
 7. A gasoline station as claimed in claim4 wherein there are panels located around said tank to create a storagearea around said tank.
 8. A gasoline station as claimed in claim 3wherein there is a control system mounted near said gasoline storagetank to monitor and control gasoline dispensing from said station.
 9. Agasoline station as claimed in claim 8 wherein said control systemincludes an electrical controller.
 10. A gasoline station wherein saidaccessory building is a kiosk.
 11. A gasoline station as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said modules are pre-wired for electrical purposes andcontain pre-installed gasoline supply lines.
 12. A gasoline station asclaimed in claim 11 wherein said electrical wiring and said gasolinesupply lines are automatically connected when said modules are properlyassembled.
 13. A gasoline station as claimed in claim 4 wherein thereare two remote islands, one remote island on either side of saidgasoline storage tank.
 14. A gasoline station as claimed in any one ofclaims 4 or 13 wherein the gasoline supply lines to any remote islandextend from said gasoline storage tank through said canopy.
 15. Agasoline station as claimed in any of claims 4 or 13 wherein there aresupports on every remote pump island to support said canopy.
 16. Agasoline station as claimed in claim 3 wherein there are a plurality ofpumps and some of the pumps are outermost pumps, said canopy extendingsubstantially beyond said outermost pumps for more than one vehiclewidth.
 17. A gasoline station as claimed in claim 3 wherein there is aconcrete apron extending around said base and any remote pump islandgenerally beneath said canopy.
 18. A gasoline station as claimed inclaim 17 wherein there is at least one remote pump island and saidgasoline supply lines extend from said gasoline storage tank to a pumpon said remote pump island through said apron.
 19. A gasoline station asclaimed in claim 18 wherein there is a containment trough installed insaid apron between said gasoline storage tank and said remote pumpisland and said gasoline supply lines are installed in said containmenttrough.
 20. A gasoline station as claimed in claim 19 wherein there is amonitoring system to detect leaks in said containment trough.
 21. Agasoline station as claimed in claim 19 wherein said containment troughis made of steel.
 22. A gasoline station as claimed in claim 21 whereinsaid containment trough is embedded in said apron.
 23. A gasolinestation as claimed in claim 21 wherein said containment trough has asteel cover that is removable to allow access to gasoline supply lineswithin said containment trough.
 24. A gasoline station as claimed inclaim 7 wherein there is an access door in said panels to allow accessto a storage area created by said panels around said gasoline storagetank.
 25. A method of installing an above ground gasoline station, saidstation having a base with a periphery surrounding said base, said basehaving first partial supports for a canopy extending upward therefrom,said canopy being in multiple sections, a gasoline storage tank locatedon said base, said method comprising installing said base on saidsupporting surface, assembling said sections of said canopy together,said canopy having second partial supports extending downward therefrom,said second partial supports corresponding to said first partialsupports, lifting said canopy into position above said base andconnecting each of said first supports to each of said second supports,installing at least one gasoline pump adjacent to said tank outside ofsaid supports, said pump being connected to said tank above ground, andconnecting said station to an electrical source.
 26. A method ofinstalling an above ground gasoline station wherein said gasolinestorage tank is installed on a module including a base and panelssurrounding said gasoline storage tank to create a storage area, saidstorage area including a control system for said gasoline station, saidmethod comprising installing a remote island separate and apart fromsaid base, said remote island including gasoline pumps.
 27. A method ofcarrying on a gas station business using gasoline stations comprised ofmodular components, said method comprising choosing a site for agasoline station, having a configuration for said gasoline stationpre-constructed in modular form, having the modules delivered to saidsite, assembling the modules on said site, connecting the gasolinestation to an electrical source and dispensing gasoline from saidelectrical station.
 28. A method of carrying on business as claimed inclaim 27 including the step of carrying on a gasoline station businesson a retail basis.
 29. A method of carrying on business as claimed inclaim 27 including the steps of disassembling a previously installedgasoline station and removing said station from said site, subsequentlyreinstalling said station on another site.